Which element has more protons and electrons: mercury (Hg) or tin (Sn)?

• A. It depends on their isotopes
• B. Tin (Sn)
• C. Both have the same number
• D. Mercury (Hg)

Answer: (D)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Recall that the number of protons in an element is equal to its atomic number, which uniquely identifies the element on the periodic table.
2. Look up the atomic numbers of mercury (Hg) and tin (Sn). Mercury has an atomic number of 80, and tin has an atomic number of 50.
3. Since atoms are electrically neutral, the number of electrons equals the number of protons for each element in their neutral state.
4. Compare the atomic numbers: mercury (80) has more protons and electrons than tin (50).
5. Note that isotopes differ in the number of neutrons, not protons or electrons, so the number of protons and electrons depends only on the element, not its isotopes.